Accounting Education and Career Guide

• Overview
• Degrees
• Associate Degree in Accounting
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
• Master's in Accounting
• Accounting MBA
• Job Description
• Salaries

4 ways a bachelor's can prepare you for the CPA Exam

1. A bachelor's degree exposes you to CPA topics

The Uniform CPA Exam tests your knowledge of different accounting and tax topics. The test is broken down into three Core sections and one Discipline section. The Core sections include Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Auditing and Attestation (AUD) and Taxation and Regulation (REG). Candidates will also choose one of the following sections: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC) and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).

The concepts found in each of the above sections are taught in the bachelor’s accounting program. Most programs will require at least one class in each of the areas. For example, an intermediate accounting class would cover topics found in the FAR section, while an auditing class and a business tax class introduce topics found in AUD and REG.

Learning about the topics found on the CPA Exam is easiest when pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Having a full semester dedicated to the topics found in each exam section is important to understand both the big picture and granular topics that might appear on the exam. Additionally, most courses expect students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting to take the CPA Exam, offering test prep in addition to regular course work. 

2. A bachelor's complies with minimum education requirements

You must meet minimum education credits to sit for the CPA Exam. Each state will have slightly different education requirements, including eligible coursework and number of credits. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), “To obtain the required body of knowledge and to develop the skills and abilities needed to be successful CPAs, students should complete 150 semester hours of education. Many states/jurisdictions now require or will require 150 semester hours of education for obtaining the CPA license.”

Most bachelor’s degree programs are set at 120 credit hours, helping you work toward the 150-credit mark. The credit requirements are set high because CPA Exam candidates need to be able to evaluate complex problems and have technical competence. Meeting the 150-credit hour minimum doesn’t always need to be done by enrolling in a master’s program. In fact, many candidates secure minor degrees while enrolled in a bachelor’s program.

There are five states that do not require an accounting degree to sit for the CPA Exam, including Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine and Massachusetts. However, you must still meet the minimum credit and course requirements, which can be difficult to do without completing a bachelor’s degree program.

It’s also important to note that credits from an existing associate degree can count toward your bachelor’s degree. This means that you might only need to take two or three more years of coursework, saving you time and money on your path to becoming a CPA.

3. You gain valuable networking and communication skills.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk industry will decline by -5% through 2033. However, accountants and auditors, including CPAs, will experience a 5.8% industry growth rate through 2033. By pursuing a bachelor’s degree and taking the CPA Exam, you can improve your job prospects and career opportunities to get hands-on experience.

For example, many accounting programs require an internship. Accounting firms that see you are working toward a bachelor’s degree may be more willing to hire you for an internship. Not only can this result in higher pay, but it also helps satisfy the work experience requirement for the CPA Exam.

According to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, “Licensure candidates need about 2,000 working hours verified by a licensed CPA, but check with your jurisdiction as requirements vary. Note, previously completed internships may count toward your 2,000-hour goal.”

Although the specific hour requirements will vary by state, pursuing a bachelor’s degree can help you work toward the required work experience to receive your CPA license. In addition, hands-on experience preparing tax returns and financial statements solidifies the concepts found on the CPA Exam.

4. A bachelor's can help with placement in professional and graduate programs

Since most bachelor’s programs only require 120 credit hours, you may need to fill this gap by pursuing higher education, such as a master’s degree in tax or general business administration. Qualification for these programs is dependent on having an existing bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related subject.

Master’s degrees are generally smaller in scope and credit size, with an average program being between 30 and 60 credit hours. The added insights and technical skills learned during graduate programs help you when taking the CPA Exam and can position you for greater career advancement. For example, accounting talent with both a CPA license and a master’s degree might look more attractive compared to an individual with one or the other.

Whether you are looking to get accepted into higher education, meet the minimum education credits to sit for the exam or beat out competition for open positions, a bachelor’s degree in accounting is the starting point. To put it simply, the AICPA states, “Receiving your CPA certification distinguishes you from other business professionals—the benefits are increased trust, opportunity and financial reward.”